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Keychron Q3 Max vs SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini: Comparison
What is the difference between Keychron Q3 Max and SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini?
The first real difference is layout: Keychron Q3 Max TKL against SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini 60%. They differ on backlighting too, South-Facing RGB on the Keychron Q3 Max versus Per-key RGB, OLED smart display on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. There is a split on keycap material as well, Double-Shot PBT on the Keychron Q3 Max versus Doubleshot PBT on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini. They differ on hot-swappable too, Yes on the Keychron Q3 Max versus No on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini.
Which should you buy, Keychron Q3 Max or SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini?
The Keychron Q3 Max suits enthusiasts wanting a wireless custom board and QMK/VIA power users, though it is the wrong buy for ultra-lightweight travel setups and buyers on a tight budget. The SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini is the one to take for competitive gamers who want per-key actuation control and buyers who trust SteelSeries' software ecosystem, though it is not the pick for budget buyers; OmniPoint switches carry a real premium. It is equally the pick for players who want a small OLED display for quick profile switching. It is not the one for hobbyists who want to swap switches later, this board isn't hot-swappable. Our rating of the Keychron Q3 Max (9/10): one of the best all-in-one wireless custom keyboards, combining Q-series build quality with genuine tri-mode flexibility. Our rating of the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini (9/10): per-key actuation tuning in the smallest layout SteelSeries makes, one of the most genuinely useful implementations of Hall Effect switching on the market.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Keychron Q3 Max and SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini differ on switch type?
Yes. Switch Type reads Keychron K Pro Mechanical on the Keychron Q3 Max versus OmniPoint Adjustable Hall Effect on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini.
Is the Polling Rate the same on the Keychron Q3 Max and SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini?
It is. Both are listed at 1000 Hz, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Brand
- Keychron Q3 Max
- Keychron
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- SteelSeries
Layout
- Keychron Q3 Max
- TKL (80%)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- 60%
Model
- Keychron Q3 Max
- Q3 Max
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Apex Pro Mini
Switch Type
- Keychron Q3 Max
- Keychron K Pro Mechanical (Banana/Brown)
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- OmniPoint Adjustable Hall Effect
Connectivity
- Keychron Q3 Max
- Bluetooth 5.1 / 2.4GHz RF / USB-C Wired
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Wired (detachable USB-C)
Keycap Material
- Keychron Q3 Max
- Double-Shot PBT
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Doubleshot PBT
Hot-Swappable
- Keychron Q3 Max
- Yes
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- No
Backlighting
- Keychron Q3 Max
- South-Facing RGB
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- Per-key RGB, OLED smart display
Polling Rate
- Keychron Q3 Max
- 1000 Hz
- SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
- 1000 Hz
Which one should you pick?
Choose Keychron Q3 Max if you want the higher polling rate (1000 Hz vs 1000 Hz).
Choose SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | Keychron Q3 Max | SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg | |
| Keychron Store | View on Keychron Store |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
Keychron Q3 Max
9 / 10 Expert Rating
One of the best all-in-one wireless custom keyboards, combining Q-series build quality with genuine tri-mode flexibility.
SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini
9 / 10 Expert Rating
Per-key actuation tuning in the smallest layout SteelSeries makes, one of the most genuinely useful implementations of Hall Effect switching on the market.